Italian car taxes: IPT and bollo in plain terms
Owning a car in Italy means paying two recurring motor taxes: IPT, the provincial transcription tax charged when the vehicle is registered, and Bollo, the annual road tax paid each year. Both depend on engine power in kilowatts, with modifiers based on Euro emission class, province surcharges, and even the fuel type. A car tax calculator computes both amounts instantly.
TL;DR
- IPT (Imposta Provinciale di Trascrizione) is a one-off tax on the ownership deed: a flat €150.81 up to 53 kW; above 53 kW it is €150.81 plus €3.5119 for each kW above 53, multiplied by a provincial surcharge of up to 30% applied to the full amount.
- IPT & Bollo Calculation Formula: IPT = (€150.81 + max(0, kW − 53) × €3.5119) × (1 + Surcharge) | Bollo = kW × Euro-class tariff (+ Superbollo over 185 kW)
- Example 1: An 80 kW Euro 6 car in a province with a 30% surcharge — IPT base: €150.81 + (80 − 53) × €3.5119 = €245.63
How it works
IPT (Imposta Provinciale di Trascrizione) is a one-off tax on the ownership deed: a flat €150.81 up to 53 kW; above 53 kW it is €150.81 plus €3.5119 for each kW above 53, multiplied by a provincial surcharge of up to 30% applied to the full amount. Bollo is an annual tax with a per-kilowatt tariff that depends on the Euro emission class, with the Superbollo adding €20 per kW beyond 185 kW for powerful cars.
The math
For IPT, use the flat €150.81 up to 53 kW; above 53 kW add €3.5119 for each kW above 53 to the €150.81 base, multiply the full base by the provincial surcharge factor and add the ~€101 PRA registration duties. For Bollo, multiply the vehicle kilowatts by the tariff for its Euro class (which decreases for cleaner classes), and add €20 per kW over 185 for the Superbollo.
Up to 53 kW the IPT is a flat €150.81; above 53 kW it is €150.81 plus about €3.5119 for each kW above 53. Provincial surcharges vary by region (up to 30%) and apply to the full amount. The Superbollo applies for the first five years, then drops to about €12 per kW.
Practical Car Tax Examples
Example 1: An 80 kW Euro 6 car in a province with a 30% surcharge
- IPT base: €150.81 + (80 − 53) × €3.5119 = €245.63
- Surcharge: €245.63 × 30% = €73.69 → IPT ≈ €319 (rounded to the euro)
- PRA fees: ~€101.20
- Total transfer cost ≈ €420
Example 2: A 200 kW luxury car subject to the Superbollo
- Bollo base (Euro 0): 100 kW × €3.00 + 100 kW × €4.50 = €300 + €450 = €750
- Superbollo: (200 - 185) × €20 = €300
- Total annual Bollo ≈ €1,050
When to use it
✦ Car Purchase Budgeting
Buyers include the one-off IPT and the annual Bollo in the total cost of ownership before choosing between vehicles.
✦ Electric vs Combustion Comparison
Drivers model the five-year Bollo exemption of electric vehicles against the running costs of combustion cars.
⚠ Common mistakes
- Overlooking the Superbollo: Vehicles above 185 kW (about 252 HP) pay an extra €20 per additional kW for the first five years, then a reduced rate (about €12 per kW).
- Assuming One Rate for All: Motorcycles, historic vehicles over 30 years old, and electric cars use completely different tariffs.
- Forgetting Provincial Differences: IPT surcharges vary by province, so the same car costs different amounts to register elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Car Taxes (2)
What is IPT?
It is the Imposta Provinciale di Trascrizione, the local tax paid to record the ownership transfer in the Italian public vehicle register (PRA).
How is Bollo calculated for electric cars?
Fully electric vehicles are exempt from Bollo for the first 5 years, then pay 75% of the standard rate.
Sources & References
⚠ Financial Disclaimer
This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Results may vary based on local regulations, rates, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.